WHITTIER – When Ted Martinez Jr. became the president of Rio Hondo College in 2007, one of the first things he did was call for a survey of the area to determine where job opportunities were.

All roads seemed to lead to health care, college officials said – particularly in California, which is experiencing one of the most severe nursing shortages in the nation.

As such, college officials say health care training and education are top priorities for the 20,000-student hilltop campus.

And that’s why the Rio Hondo College Foundation has spotlighted health care for its annual fundraising gala, which takes place at 5:30 p.m. April 18 at the Pacific Palms Conference Resort, 1 Industry Hills Parkway in Industry Hills.

The “Casino Rio … A Turning Point in Healthcare Education” gala will help raise money for the college’s student health center, nursing student scholarships and planning costs associated with a proposed new Regional Health Occupational Training Center.

“The community colleges of California are going to be the key to the economic recovery of our state,” said board President Andre Quintero, adding that Rio Hondo’s ability to provide highly trained professionals in this area will be an important component.

The gala will also feature the presentation of the first-ever Rio Hondo College President’s Award, which will go to longtime Whittier resident and health care advocate Hubert Perry.

Perry, 95, served as chairman of Presbyterian Intercommunity Hospital for 15 years, and helped transform PIH from a community hospital to a state-of-the-art regional medical center, college officials said.

“Hubert Perry is the epitome of community service and an icon in the development of health care resources,” Martinez said. “It is most fitting that he (will) be the first recipient of this new award recognizing commitment to excellence.”

Foundation Executive Director Andy Howard said the proposed Regional Health Occupational Center would provide a way for the college to expand its nursing and other occupational programs.

The center would also include a human patient simulator lab where students could practice their skills on lifelike dummies.

Last year’s gala, which focused on military veterans, sold out and raised about $230,000, Howard said.

“So far this year, the response (to the event) has been positive,” Howard said. “Plus, it’s a casino-type event, so at the end of the evening, people will be able to learn how to gamble, play craps and roulette. So that will be the fun part.”

Tickets are $150 per person, or $1,250 for a table of 10. Advertisements in the program are also available for local businesses.